Ben Affleck has confirmed that he has completed a 40-day stint in rehab to battle alcoholism, describing the addiction as a “lifelong and difficult struggle”.

The Oscar-winning actor, who previously underwent treatment in 2001 and 2017, said that seeking treatment was a “sign of courage, not weakness or failure”.

“Battling any addiction is a lifelong and difficult struggle’, Affleck wrote on Instagram.

“Because of that, one is never really in or out of treatment. It is a full time commitment. I am fighting for myself and my family. So many people have reached out on social media and spoken out about their own journeys with addiction.

“To those people, I want to say thank you. Your strength is inspiring and is supporting me in ways I didn’t think was possible. It helps to know I am not alone.”

Affleck added: “With acceptance and humility, I continue to avail myself with the help of so many people and I am grateful to all those who are there for me.

“I hope down the road I can offer an example to those who are struggling.”

In September, his brother Casey Affleck spoke out in support of him – and admitted that the pair come from a long family line of alcoholics.

Affleck tied the knot with Jennifer Garner in 2005, before the pair announced their split in April last year.